At 6,075 yards, Honey Bee Golf Club in Virginia Beach is short -- but sweet

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- It was conceived three decades ago as a private club serving a modern housing development. But the demise of Glenwood Country Club has worked to the benefit of public players in the Virginia Beach area as Honey Bee Golf Club has thrived as a modestly priced, well conditioned muni.

Surrounded by busy streets and a bustling community, Honey Bee has some limitations imposed by its cramped quarters, playing to a par of 70 and only 6,075 yards from the back tees. Opened in 1988, the golf course -- like the surrounding development -- is starting to show some age. But Honey Bee has remained a popular choice for locals who prefer its friendly, neighborhood feel.

The golf course also appeals to discerning players drawn by Honey Bee's sophisticated design touches. Rees Jones, the famed "Open Doctor" who is known for his severe treatments of U.S. Open courses such as Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black, built Honey Bee G.C. His influence is especially evident in the course's elaborate bunker complexes.

Honey Bee is one of seven golf courses under the management of Hampton Roads Golf. With green fees that top out at $43, it's one of the best bargains in Tidewater-area golf.

Kevin Dunleavy is a longtime resident of northern Virginia, a graduate of George Mason University, an award-winning reporter covering golf, colleges, and other sports for the Washington Examiner, and a single-digit handicap still seeking his elusive first hole-in-one. Follow Kevin on Twitter at @KDunleavy.

WE AND OUR PARTNERS USE COOKIES ON THIS SITE TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICE, PERFORM ANALYTICS,
PERSONALIZE ADVERTISING, MEASURE ADVERTISING PERFORMANCE, AND REMEMBER WEBSITE PREFERENCES.
BY USING THE SITE, YOU CONSENT TO THESE COOKIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COOKIES INCLUDING HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CONSENT VISIT OUR
COOKIE POLICY.